Global Yoga Event Celebrates Peace

Seven years ago, Shiva Rea started a worldwide movement called Global Mala, a day that yogis come together to raise money for important international causes. The events, which are now offered in partnership with National Yoga Month and Yoga for Peace, have grown through the years and have inspired yoga teachers and practitioners to generate much needed funds for organizations that support things like AIDS research, peace initiatives, the environment, and education. It always coincides with the Fall Equinox and the UN’s International Day of Peace.

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The Global Mala imitates a beaded mala, a set of 108 beads most often used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation practice and adopted by many yogis. The idea behind the event is to form a "mala around the earth" through the various events, all of which will somehow use the sacred cycle of 108. The number 108 is considered to have spiritual significance, and so mantras are often chanted 108 times.

Below are some of the most exciting Global Mala Yoga for Peace events happening this year. To find an event near you, search here.

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Global Mala NJ Where: Newark, NJ When: September 22 Supporting: Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts, autism, yoga in public schools, and the Community Foodbank What’s Happening: This is the largest Global Mala event in the world. This year, it features Beryl Bender Birch, Fred DeVito, Tao Porchon-Lynch, Jillian Pransky, and more. There will be family yoga, Acro Yoga, and Trance Dance, among the offerings.

4th Annual Milwaukee Global Mala Where: Milwaukee, MI When: September 21 Supporting: The Milwaukee Art Museum What’s Happening: Sunrise yoga and meditation followed by 108 sun salutations and a late morning kirtan are all on the bill for this event, which happens in Windhover Hall, overlooking Lake Michigan.

Global Mala Project Manila Where: Manila, Philippines When: September 21 Supporting: Southeast Asian charities One Liter of Light, Trees for the Future, and The Tubbataha Foundation What’s Happening: More than 20 different types of yoga classes (including Bikram, Jivamukti, Yoga Therapy, and Kundalini) will be offered, as well as Reiki and Theta Healing.